Friend to Foe

Chapter fifteen: Own Thing Now

Alastor planned to meet with Vox like any other day. Although, he must admit he was rather excited for the stimulating conversation that awaited him. He wished to see what Vox would do next. Would he impress or disappoint? Alastor had his predictions of course.

Alastor had just finished buttoning his maroon, double lined vest when he heard a knock on his door. Who could it be? Alastor thought maybe Rosie or Mimize. He curiously buzzed in through his radio to the front door.
"Who is it?" Alastor asked simply.
"It's Vox." Alastor was surprised to hear. They still had an hour until their meeting time. What could he want?

Alastor opened the door to a smiling Vox. He watched Vox's eyes drift down his body ever so slightly. Vox's was quick to meet the deer's gaze head on.
"Alastor!" Vox folded his hands to appear calm, "I do apologize for dropping in suddenly, but I have a topic I'd like to discuss that I feel is better suited by a professional environment. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about." Vox's voiced was laced with a charisma and gratitude that was music to Alastor's ears. He instantly assumed the other was referencing Valentino.
"But of course! Would you like to speak in my office?" Alastor offered with a tilt of his head. Vox agreed.

      Alastor allowed Vox to lead the way as he knew where it was located. Alastor took in the televisions appearance. He noted the clean, dark blue suit he wore. Alastor noted a thin red lining as Vox walked through his studio. Alastor searched for the "V" on his clothing, but he couldn't find it. That delighted him.

     Alastor sat in his signature chair, and Vox sat in the smaller chair on the other side of his desk. Vox composed himself and tried to bury his every nerve.
"What I'd like to discuss is what you brought to my attention during your last broadcast. Very creative way for doing that by the way, it was effective." Vox spoke in a manner that mirrored Alastor's, causing him to tweak an eyebrow at the other.
"Naturally, I see your concern. If I want an image that appeals to all, I should not have someone like Valentino as the face of my brand. I'm sure you wouldn't like the association either." Vox paused at the end, awaiting Alastor's approval thus far.

"Correct, proceed." Alastor nodded his head. He was so utterly entertained by this little show Vox was putting on.
"I'd like to offer some kind of compromise... One that would benefit you and I but appear equal to Valentino." Vox spoke professionally.
"As much as I could completely cut off Valentino, I'm afraid it would hurt my progress of funds significantly. You see, without him I would have only Velvette's income to help build my technology. Valentino makes roughly 84.5% of my profits at the moment. Not only that but he makes this money fast. He's only been on the incline." Vox explained as if it were a sales pitch. Alastor felt a boredom begin to build as he sighed.

"Yes yes, I'm sure he makes money. Would you mind getting to the point, dear?" Alastor spoke with a neutral tone. He saw a slight glitch in Vox's screen. Vox played it off well.
"Of course, my apologies... The simple solution I see is to cut all public ties with Valentino and his line of work, but still be partnered with him behind the scenes. The only part of his brand that would have my name on it would be my paychecks. He would never appear in any more VoxTek commercials. He'd simply just become an investor more than a colleague." Vox explained. Alastor could feel his nerves, but he couldn't see them as much, which was definitely progress. Alastor leaned back in his chair and crossed one leg over the other.

"As lovely as that sounds for you, I fear the logistics. What does he gain? Creatures like him are selfish. How will you ensure his trust?" Alastor questioned. Vox's smile twitched before he leaned forward.
"I have him wrapped around my finger, trust me." Vox said, his voice dipping deeper at the end. Alastor couldn't help but laugh lightly. 'How ironic' he thought. Alastor thought back to the conversation he heard. Valentino did seem rather quiet compared to the loud Velvette.
"And your other partner, Velvette is it? She won't see through this?" Alastor asked while crossing his arms.
"She doesn't have a choice." Vox said with a slight crack of static. Alastor was fed off of this anger and motivation he felt from the TV.
"Oh?" He titled his head to one side.
"Her goal is to own not only the fashion industry, but social media. She can't have that without me and my technology. She knows she's nothing without me." Vox spoke so confidently.